Spartans Capture Northern Athletics Conference Game and Championship

AURORA, Ill. October 20, 2006 - The Aurora University women’s volleyball team wrapped up their first regular season conference championship since 1996 as they handily defeated visiting Marian College on Friday night in Northern Athletics Conference play.

The Spartans defeated Marian in consecutive games en route to improving their record to a perfect 10-0 thus far in the first season in the newly formed Northern Athletics Conference.

Marian, who was a little late arriving due to traffic, came out anything but sluggish and kept pace with the Spartans until about midpoint in the first game. When the Spartand siezed control following a timeout and would not look back the rest of the evening.

Aurora then pulled away for the victory in game one and continued their hot pace en route to a 30-6 victory in game two.

Game three saw the Spartans continue to play well, led by Sarah Campbell, who finished with 14 kills and 9 digs on the night. The final score wound up being 30-13, and illustrated just how well Aurora played, as Kristen Peara came off the AU bench late and had six serving aces to lock up the match.

Lindsey Gruber finished the night with 13 kills and 17 digs, Christie Ozlanski had 21 assists and Amanda Hills had 16 assists.

The Spartans (15-11 overall ; 10-0 NAC) will wrap up NAC regular season play on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium against Rockford College before hosting the Northern Athletics Conference tournament, which begins in two weeks.